[Biff]

Hello all- I'm looking forward to spending a few days in Yosemite and hopefully doing a little photography. Anyone have a lens that for them really stood out there? I know this is a pretty open question, and suspect I'll mostly use my 12-24, 31, 43, 18-135, maybe 77. Is there something about a lens that might make the Yosemite landscape and scenery pop? Thanks for your thoughts.

[max_pyne]

12-24 was the lens i used most...

[WPRESTO]

WA is definitely essential in Yosemite. You're often quite close to the waterfalls, and down in or up above a narrow canyon where a WA can capture what your mind assembles as you look around. However, a moderately long lens is also useful. For example, Half Dome looks best when photographed from a distance with a longer lens (IMHO).

[Na Horuk]

and suspect I'll mostly use my 12-24, 31, 43, 18-135, maybe 77.

Ive never been to Yosemite, but that looks like a great kit! I think from those I would use the 12-24mm and 31mm the most, and then the 77mm. Or the 18-135mm is the weather is bad (if you have WR camera)!
I usually go to parks like that with Samyang 14mm, a prime in the 28 - 50mm range (depends how I feel, where Im going - honestly, I would love FA 31mm), and then 100mm macro (works as landscape lens, as well). This is the kit that I like, as it is very versatile, but still not too heavy to carry around.

[blackcloudbrew]

Yep, the 12-24 was my favorite, although so was the DFA 100 macro. I will say that shooting in Yosemite, I've learned not to put a polarizer on my 12-24 as the change in coloration of the sky detracts. I will say that your list of lenses seems right, I'd take 'em all just in case. Unless you are into shooting critters - on the ground or in the air, you don't really need long lenses.

Also by Yosemite, I presume you mean Yosemite Valley. If you get into the high country that would make me think. Have fun, it's one of my very favorite places.

[Biff]

Thanks everyone, very helpful. I should have mentioned I'll take my 100 macro as well, for wildflowers and maybe scenics. Thanks about the advise about the polarizer, I was wondering whether or how much to use one. May be some clouds or even rain at times, which I'm hoping for as well to add some weather elements.

[SpecialK]

Hello all- I'm looking forward to spending a few days in Yosemite and hopefully doing a little photography. Anyone have a lens that for them really stood out there? I know this is a pretty open question, and suspect I'll mostly use my 12-24, 31, 43, 18-135, maybe 77. Is there something about a lens that might make the Yosemite landscape and scenery pop? Thanks for your thoughts.

I was going to suggest the 12-24, so there you go.

[darylk]

I agree with the others who said yours is a good assortment of lenses. I've not yet been to Yosemite, but I suspect there may be times when even 12mm isn't as wide as wanted. Pentax's 10-17 fisheye, if you could obtain one for the trip, might open up some fun and unique perspectives.
Daryl

[Kath]

I wouldn't leave the 18-135 home. Just when you think you want a nice wide shot, you'll realize what you needed was a tele. Good insurance. I kept it on my camera and changed it out only when I knew I wanted a prime shot at that moment.

[gifthorse]

Practice making stitched panoramas with the 77 and the 100 before you go. Yosemite is pretty much all panoramic.

[npc]

Another vote for 12-24 ... + 60-250 for the vista points so you can zoom into half dome, the waterfalls, etc from there.

[Biff]

Thanks. Wish I had the 60-250, but will bring my 55-300.

[slip]

My last trip I only used my 10-20 @10mm and it was all that I needed

Have a good time on your trip!

Randy

[monochrome]

Thanks. Wish I had the 60-250, but will bring my 55-300.

You probably know the (SMC) 55-300 has wonderful colors in high, bright light. At least I think mine does.

[K-Three]

It's been a long time (20+ years) since I've been there, and then I was shooting film of a lot of different formats.
Yosemite Valley can be intimidating, it's likely one of the most photographed places in the world.
There are the vistas and the "Kodak" picture spots that everyone does. Your short lenses will work well there.
I always found my favorite shots from there are details and more intimate locations. Running water, rocks in streams, wildlife in the meadows. Medium and longer lenses for that kind of stuff.
One of my favorite spots was out at the west end of the valley, at El Portal where the river goes back into a steeper, tighter canyon from the broad valley floor. I've got a fall color shot from there that is one of my favorites.
Most folks don't get too far from their cars, so even hiking back in 10 or 15 minutes from the parking lots can get you to lesser seen locations and fewer people to get in your way.
The light can be challenging, the valley runs essentially east-west, but the sun comes down into the valley kind of late in the day, and the dawn/ twilight happen kind of fast in the valley as the sun is really already high in the sky. Mid-day light is kind of flat especially on the north wall of the valley. Raking light early or late in the day can help develop textures in your images.

If you have the time, I recommend getting out of the valley and going up on top, out to Tuolumne Meadows and/or the Tioga pass area. Very accessible high alpine conditions. Some pretty alpine lakes and bare rock vistas.

In any event, take the time to look, and soak up the environment, not just take pictures, It's one of the prettiest places in the world, and deserves to be experienced, not just photographed.
Enjoy and have fun!